Construction has begun on the 45 MW Carno III Wind Farm in Powys — the first significant wind farm development in mid Wales in almost a decade. Owned by Carno 3 LLP, a joint venture between Amegni Renewables and Gresham House, the 10-turbine scheme has appointed Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK as principal contractor to deliver its key infrastructure.
At a total cost of more than £100 million, Carno III will generate enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 46,000 homes a year and save an expected 65,000 tonnes of CO2. Works have already begun on site, with completion expected in autumn 2027.
Scope of the £46.5m contract
Under its £46.5 million contract, Jones Bros is carrying out crucial grid reinforcement works, installing 20 km of new underground cable between Welshpool substation and the connection point south of Abermule to strengthen a section of SP Energy Networks’ (SPEN) existing mid Wales 132 kV grid system.
The tier one contractor will also construct the turbine foundations, a new on-site substation and control building, and undertake cabling works. In addition, it will upgrade more than 4.4 km of existing access tracks and build 4.7 km of new tracks, and enhance existing highways to facilitate deliveries. The contract is Jones Bros’ highest-value wind farm contract in Wales to date.
A “full circle” moment for the contractor
Jones Bros senior contract manager Rhys Roberts, who will oversee a team of up to 90 including apprentices, described the award as a significant milestone for the region. “It’s a landmark moment for mid Wales after a lengthy period without any new significant wind farm developments,” he said. “Having delivered Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm, our highly skilled team is looking forward to helping bring Carno III to fruition.”
He noted the company’s history at the site. “We were the principal contractors on Carno II back in 2009 for Amegni, so this is something of a full circle moment for us as a company, and one we are proud to be involved in. It’s also our highest value wind farm contract in Wales to date, highlighting the importance placed on renewable energy.”
The last wind farm to become fully operational in mid Wales was Garreg Lwyd, between Llandrindod and Newtown, which started generating power in spring 2017.
Local ownership and economic benefit
Sion Thomas, director of Amegni Renewables, said the project reflects the developer’s focus on keeping benefits local. “We are pleased to once again be working with Jones Bros on this very exciting project. Carno III Wind Farm meets the Welsh Government’s aspirations for renewable energy across the board,” he said. “With its local ownership and more than £50m of contracts awarded to Welsh-based businesses and individuals, the project will make a significant contribution to the mid Wales economy and the whole country’s renewable energy targets.”
He also called for policy support for the grid upgrades the region needs. “As a local company, we call on the new Plaid Cymru Government to support projects like this through the planning system and encourage the necessary grid upgrades in mid Wales to help deliver the economic growth needed. Carno III is a good example of what can be achieved when investment in renewable energy also delivers meaningful local economic benefits.”
Amegni Renewables is a local business formed by farmers from Carno, which currently operates the Carno 1 and Carno 2 wind farms and developed Carno III. Once operational, the three Carno wind farms — all locally operated by Amegni — will total 78 turbines and a combined installed capacity of nearly 100 MW, together delivering £250,000 in community benefit payments to the mid Wales area each year.
Jones Bros will use the local supply chain where possible, with social value initiatives planned throughout construction. The project adds to a wave of renewed wind development across Wales, from Bute Energy’s Welsh wind farm programme to the 1.5 GW Mona Offshore Wind project off the north coast.
Environmental and community measures
The Carno III site includes more than 350 hectares of new habitat enhancement and peat restoration measures. The development also delivers significant upgrades to the local public rights of way network, alongside a comprehensive community benefit package totalling more than £3.5 million over the life of the wind farm.
Project Factsheet: Carno III Wind Farm
Project: Carno III Wind Farm
Location: Carno, Powys, mid Wales
Owner: Carno 3 LLP (joint venture between Amegni Renewables and Gresham House)
Developer / local operator: Amegni Renewables
Principal contractor: Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK
Capacity: 45 MW (10 turbines)
Total project cost: More than £100 million
Civil engineering contract value: £46.5 million
Grid connection: 20 km of new underground cable, Welshpool substation to south of Abermule (reinforcing SPEN’s 132 kV network)
Scope: Turbine foundations, on-site substation and control building, cabling, 4.4 km upgraded and 4.7 km new access tracks, highway enhancements
Output: Powers approximately 46,000 homes a year; saves ~65,000 tonnes CO2
Community benefit: More than £3.5 million over the wind farm’s life
Environmental works: 350+ hectares of habitat enhancement and peat restoration
Construction start: Underway
Expected completion: Autumn 2027
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